Debris Basin and Deflection Berm Design for Fire-Related Debris-Flow Mitigation

Abstract

Research Article| November 01, 2008 Debris Basin and Deflection Berm Design for Fire-Related Debris-Flow Mitigation ADAM B. PROCHASKA; ADAM B. PROCHASKA 1Colorado School of Mines, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401 1 Present Address: RJH Consultants, Inc., 9800 Mt. Pyramid Court, Suite 330, Englewood, CO 80112. Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar PAUL M. SANTI; PAUL M. SANTI 1Colorado School of Mines, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar JERRY D. HIGGINS JERRY D. HIGGINS 1Colorado School of Mines, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information ADAM B. PROCHASKA 1 Present Address: RJH Consultants, Inc., 9800 Mt. Pyramid Court, Suite 330, Englewood, CO 80112. Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone]Colorado School of Mines, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401 PAUL M. SANTI 1Colorado School of Mines, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401 JERRY D. HIGGINS 1Colorado School of Mines, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, 1516 Illinois Street, Golden, CO 80401 Publisher: Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1558-9161 Print ISSN: 1078-7275 © 2008 Association of Engineering Geologists Environmental & Engineering Geoscience (2008) 14 (4): 297–313. https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.14.4.297 Article history First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation ADAM B. PROCHASKA, PAUL M. SANTI, JERRY D. HIGGINS; Debris Basin and Deflection Berm Design for Fire-Related Debris-Flow Mitigation. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience 2008;; 14 (4): 297–313. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.14.4.297 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental & Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract Debris flows are hazardous because of their poor predictability, high impact forces, and ability to deposit large quantities of sediment in inundated areas. To minimize the risk to developments on alluvial fans, debris-flow mitigation structures may be required. This study reviewed the state of practice for the design of two types of debris-flow mitigation structures: basins and deflection berms. Published guidelines for these structures are rare, and there appears to be little standardization. Recommended design improvements, particularly for fire-related debris flows, include incorporating several recent developments in debris-flow mitigation design, reducing subjectivity, and enhancing the technical basis for the designs. Specific shortcomings of existing design methodologies include techniques for predicting debris-flow volume, specifications for berm geometry, impact loading considerations, and lack of flexibility in outlet works design, among others. Proposed solutions and guidelines for these issues are presented. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.